Abstract/Summary

Entomopathogens are important natural
enemies of many insect and mite species and as such
have been recognised as providing an important ecosystem service. Indeed, fungal entomopathogens have been widely
investigated as biological control agents of pest insects in attempts to improve the sustainability of crop
protection. However, even though our understanding of the ecology of fungal entomopathogens has vastly
increased since the early 1800s, we still require in-depth ecological research that can expand our scientific
horizons in a manner that facilitates widespread adoption of these organisms as efficient biological control
agents. Fungal entomopathogens have evolved some intricate interactions with arthropods, plants and other
microorganisms. The full importance and complexity of these relationships is only just becoming apparent.
It is important to shift our thinking from conventional biological control, to an understanding of an as yet
unknown “deep space”. The use of molecular techniques and phylogenetic analyses have helped us move in
this direction, and have provided important insights on fungal relationships. Nevertheless, new techniques
such as the PhyloChip and pyrosequencing might help us see beyond the familiar fields, into areas that could
help us forge a new understanding of the ecology of fungal entomopathogens.